Under the bill, approved in 2013, the DMV will be required to issue an original driver’s license to a person unable to provide satisfactory proof that the applicant’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

The applicant still has to submit proof of their identity and proof they are a California resident.

The public hearing was held at the Caltrans on Grand Ave. in Oakland. A previous hearing was also held on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Braulio Gonzalez, who attended the hearing, said beforehand that he’s happy with the bill, but wants to see the DMV accept a variety of forms of identification and take into account the challenges some immigrants may face in getting required documents from their home countries.

Gonzalez said he’d also like to see the DMV accept issued documents that may be expired or no longer valid.

“My hope is the DMV is listening with open hearts and open minds and that they do what is best for the community,” he said. “Everyone is happy about AB 60, but we have a couple concerns.”

Jon Rodney from the California Immigrant Policy Center said he’d like to see the DMV take the cost of acquiring several forms of identification into consideration.

He said in many cases, driver’s license applicants need a passport and identification card, which could exceed $100 to acquire.

Esther Melendez spoke at the hearing and said AB 60 will change the way immigrants live their lives.

“Without feeling afraid, we can drive our kids to school, go to our jobs, go shopping and meet our needs,” she said though a translator.

Melendez said she wanted to see the process become more accessible to everyone in the community.

Following the hearing, the DMV will review the public comments, make any revisions and deliver the final bill regulations to the state Office of Administrative Law for review and approval.

“Everybody’s happy about AB60, but we just have a few concerns”. Uh, not EVERYBODY is happy about it. Those of us who’ve had to show the DMV our birth certificate, hand over our SSN, and pay taxes to pay for the DMV to exist are NOT happy about yet another free handout to those who can’t even prove they’re here legally!

What a joke. Wasting more tax payer money on a meeting to give illegal aliens a drivers licence? They already get free healthcare, WIC, etc… When will these liberals figure out that they are screwing over all that come to the USA legally? Vote them out! Bus out these illegals back to the border!

And to top it off, some yahoo wants DMV to accept documents that are expired or no longer valid – yeah, that sure makes a lot of sense. Is there any agency anywhere that would accept a document that was expired or no longer valid? If something is expired, it’s expired – period – just like a driver’s license, for goodness sake, or a credit card. And I always thought that being able to get a driver’s license was a “privilege”, not a “right”.

Just hand over the keys to the kingdom, we don’t care about it anymore.
WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING??? Any alien in this country without “proper documentation” is here ILLEGALLY. This applies to all persons regardless of country of origin.
Giving illegal aliens (OK,”undocumented” for all you PC folks) anything other than a quick trip out of the country is saying that the laws of our land no longer apply, at least not to them.
We are giving away the store, people.
Who is paying for the gigantic economic cost of this folly? Look in the mirror.
Secure our borders. Remove the incentives for people to enter illegally.
Revise the 14th amendment to eliminate automatic US citizenship just because someone is born on US soil. I know of no other country that practices this enticement. It may have served a good purpose in the 19th century, but today it is no longer good for much other than inviting trespass.
I wonder what kind of outrage people who are going the legal way of entry into this country experience when they see the results of this pandering to illegals.
Anyone not a criminal should be allowed access, but by LEGAL means.

a meeting to justify the process even though it is a done deal….. the dems have bought this already….with manipulation and favors. Election time again and the dems are lining up illegals to vote since they are also pushing the I.D. to vote at the polls they can lock up entire elections just by giving drivers license to all those illegals……..welcome to demifornia capital to the destruction of the U.S. of A.

Let’s see. It took us a year and about $7,000 for my wife to immigrate here from Canada, Legally. And get a work visa then permanent resident status. Now we are beginning the process of her becoming a US Citizen. Which means more money. You mean some get a free pass? Some can come illegally and stay and work and now get a DL and not pay a dime. We paid for them? What we went through, for what?????????? I want our money back. I am serious. And I am PISSED OFF… BLANK THAT!

This is one of those issues I’m torn over. No being a citizen should disallow them the rights afforded a citizen. But the simple fact that they choose to be here illegally makes me inclined to believe it wouldn’t bother them to drive illegally as well. So sure, issue them a license and make it a provision they have proof of insurance and require that license be renewed yearly with proof that insurance has been kept up to date for that entire year, untill they have citizenship. Then maybe I’ll support it.
But I doubt it.
Don’t forget, the only way we’re going to change the way things are being run in this country is through our votes.

I’m tired of hearing the complaints as stated (in particular, through a translator) “Without feeling afraid, we can drive our kids to school, go to our jobs, go shopping and meet our needs.” And I’m tired of hearing the term “undocumented resident.” They are ILLEGAL immigrants. Get it? You violate the law, that’s a crime? Violators should be punished.

How does getting a drivers license qualify as getting a handout? I’ve had my license for 25 years and haven’t received anything. I just don’t understand why people are against allowing immigrants to apply for, pay for, and receive drivers’ licenses.

Yup, you had the misfortune of being born on the wrong side of the border, thus not classifying you as a political tool for mouth foaming liberals to use in their progressive pandering. I agree with you. This situation is disgusting.

Welcome to Alta California where everything is possible. It is the one of the consequences of not having a border. I’m real tired of hearing about illegals getting special treatment.You’ve gotta know they don’t have insurance, so giving them a license will not solve the problem.
Quit coddling them!!

Looks like Jon Rodney wants free licenses too. Why do they need a license if they can’t afford to own a vehicle? Many have mentioned insurance. That should be a BIG concern for all of us. And ad for accepting expired I.D.that’s crazy.
SUGGESTION: Let’s no longer accept drivers licenses as a form of legal I.D. Let’s just view them as licenses. Give them a test and send them on their way. A passport can be the legal form of I.D.
P.S
I think it would be great if stores would begin accepting expired credit cards. That would help me out a lot.

“Jon Rodney from the California Immigrant Policy Center said he’d like to see the DMV take the cost of acquiring several forms of identification into consideration”. How about a Safeway card or library card? Either of these should be sufficient proof of who they are, even if the cards are expired. What a joke! Hey Jon, how changing the name to the California ILLEGAL Immigrant Policy Center, as this seems a more appropriate name for the organization you represent. Vote the liberals out before they change the official language to spanish.

Are you kidding me! What we need to do is call the national guard and sweep the entire state for these scum. Round them up and march them (by foot) back to mexico! Strip any asset for the years of milking our tax dollars off of us hard working Americans. Next set up Mines on our border and bunkers with machine guns and shoot anyone trying to enter illegally period… I mean its so obvious where they are and what jobs they go for ect… Why is there no one with a set of balls enforcing our laws?????

Illegals sucked the health care system dry, then they moved onto the schools and social services. Next they want to suck the insurance system dry. Did you know that if you are a minor that gets convicted of a misdemeanor, that you cannot get a driver’s license? So, therefore, ILLEGALS should not get a driver’s license.

My C.A. driver’s license is already not considered a qualifying document when I apply for federal security clearances. So other than being one step closer to anarchy, what does it hurt any of you. Potential to make the roads a little safer is also being overstated if watching y’all drive the last 15 years is any indication.

So if you’re an American citizen you must show a registered birth certificate, social security card and a thumb print to verify your identity to get a license…No Exceptions!
If you are an illegal alien we don’t care who you are this does not verify your identification so any document will due even if it’s expired or written with a crayon..we don’t want to make it hard on ya… it’s cool = Totally Ludicrous

WOW REALLY …so as long as they get insurance ……REALLY ….I believe you are missing the point they are not doing things legally and or honestly and or by any way shape or form in any way to try and be a part of our system …….SO WHY WOULD THEY PAY FOR INSURANCE WHEN THEY GET EVERYTHING FOR FREE ……Dems need to stop coming on here and trying to seem like they are for the people ……….they are for themselves and the votes to keep them fleecing our tax money ………plain and simple ….yet still the lemmings stick with the criminals and keep voting em in …..or are they being paid as well??????

So let me get this right –
Illegals who can’t prove any form of satisfactory identity can still get issued a driver’s license. Itsnt it bad enough we have legal hispanics driving around, now we are going to have illegals ones driving as well? I guess my insurance rates will be going up shortly to cover all “those” people. Sorry, I don’t picking cabbage for a living qualifies you to be a driver.

Wonder why they’re being remodeled? Wonder why they’ll close Pittsburg BEFORE the Concord office re-opens? They’re in a hurry to have nice, big offices to handle the influx of illegals obtaining licenses. Good luck parking and waiting in line at Walnut Creek which is already a disaster!

Will the illegal’s car be impounded if no insurance? Will we have to wait to find out he or she has none AFTER they’ve caused serious damage, injury or death to those of us who ARE insured? WTF

There is a system and a procedure already in place; it starts with a Passport, and next, a Visa. This has been in effect for several years and it is recognized in almost every country in the world. Where it isn’t recognized is perhaps where you don’t want to go. Where is there any benefit to the citizens of this country?

Most illegal immigrants pay taxes. More than those born here that take advantage of our Welfare system and do not pay taxes actually. The illegal immigrants also work their asses off while the ones born here feel “entitled” to do nothing and sit on their ass and are lazy. I much rather have them learn our laws and road etiquette than have them continuing driving unlicensed and uninsured like they have been. This is definitely the way to go. So before you judge, do some research and get the real facts, statistics and support our Country. After all, where would we be without them?

No they don’t have to prove anything. And i guarantee you, those illegals are not buying any type of insurance on their 1988 beat up Ford F-150 truck which they barely could afford for $300. Just not happening.

I take offense with your suggestion and wrong statement that americans born here are fat and lazy. I happen to have been born and raised here. I also work my A#@ off 10-12 hours a day and then some on weekends. Don’t put real americans down. Anyone who has half a brain and comes to this country knows how hard working americans are. Especially in the bay area, where the competition is fierce just to own a decent property. That is why people are ticked off about how illegals can just come in here, not get proper documentation and get benefits. BTW, with Obamacare, illegals can get free health care too. I still have to pay a sh*tload to get mine.

the bottom line is we have around 12 million undocumented immigrants who are not going back. there is no way the US could round them all up. as suvh we have no choice but to integrate them into society and grant them amnesty.

All you people talking about how “illegal Mexicans” don’t pay taxes when you well know they work and pay taxes even tho they’re not working legally but they still are therefore they are paying taxes. So they should be allowed to at least get a driver’s license. !!!

How exactly are undocumented immigrants paying towards SS, Medicare, federal and state income taxes?

Yea they pay local sales taxes… but i would hardly constitute that as “paying taxes”

I’m fine with immigration, as I hold no grudge against anyone wanting to come to our country, contribute to our country and be a part of this country just as anyone else who was born here. We should be more focused on streamlining the process of documenting illegal immigrants giving them a SSN# and getting them paying taxes.

Thank you democrats for re-electing career politicians (i.e. “Whores) who are fast tracking this once great state into a fiscal and social catastrophe. May your great grandchildren recognize that you are to blame for the misery they are sure to inherit from your utopian/naive ideology.

When did paying taxes become a prerequisite to getting a license? My daughter doesn’t have a job, doesn’t pay income tax, doesn’t pay into Social Security or Medicare but she does have a drivers license.

I’m reading here that some illegal’s are paying federal taxes. Maybe I’m wrong,but don’t you need a Social Sec # to pay taxes and if so, how are they getting an SS#. Is it someone else’s # that they have stolen? Would that not make them a bigger criminal ?

You don’t need an SSN to pay taxes. An illegal alien can apply to the IRS for a Taxpayer ID number. They can also use someone else’s SSN to pay payroll taxes when they work. They won’t get credit for it, but they’re still paying taxes.

“An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a United States tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine-digit number that begins with the number 9 and generally has a range of 70 to 99 (excluding 89 and 93) in the fourth and fifth digit, example 9XX-70-XXXX or 9XX-99-XXXX.[1] ITIN numbers exist beyond these ranges, although still beginning with 9. They are issued to big groups of US corporation foreign employees, and the remaining digits correspond directly to the company’s internal employee identifier. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number.

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have Federal tax return and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code.[2] Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception. An ITIN application cannot be filed electronically (efile). The application, in most cases, should be attached to a valid federal income tax return.”

Relax people, I rather see illegal immigrants with DL and insurance on the road than without it. I understand some of us are always complaining about how illegals are taken our jobs and not paying taxes, I myself was illegal once and I know how these people feel and go thru every day. Don’t think that they have it easy because they don’t. Most of them came here with the illusion that is going to be easy and great to reach the American dream where in fact they end up working multiple jobs for a minimum wage. Most of the companies they work for take taxes and social security automatically from their paychecks where in fact and can never claim social security if they happen to retire. I have to say also that I served this country for 8 years in the Navy and no one can say that anything was handed to me and I know if those so call “illegal immigrants” had the chance to serve this country for citizenship they will do it in a heartbeat. Just saying….

The article does not mention a requirement that they take a drivers education class, pass a written test, be issued a learning permit for six months where they practice with a licensed driver in the car at all times, then finally be issued a drivers license After taking the test behind the while driving with an evaluator.

Here’s a Clue: we all had to do ALL of those things. And we STILL do. I have to pass a test to get my license renewed.

News flash: the DMV takes your fingerprint when you get a driver’s license. WE all have to do it so ANY undocumented immigrant should have to do the SAME things.

If they don’t have to pass any sort of test to get a license, then this whole thing is bogus.

Yeah right….there is no way in hell they apply for a ITIN as that would be a form of ID. Most get a 00x (Contra Costa is 007) MediCal ID but that is it. the ITIN would flag the IRS and other agencies they are in the country…MediCal is a non-cooperative agency and they report nothing.
These people work for cash under the table, that way the can get free service as they have no reportable income and can send $$ back to where ever while bleeding this country dry. I see it on a daily basis as I work for a service agency and it makes me sick.
California is jacked up royal and it is people like you that make it that way…….Wonder why so many leave when they retire???? They can afford to live in CA because the taxes are to high and they are being bled to help the “invaders”.
Also, just bcause they get a license doesn’t mean they will 1) insure the vehicle or 2) register the vehicle. California = a state stuck on stupid

Ugh…speaking of “An Unmarried Man”‘s racist comment about Hispanic drivers, my mom refused to drive on I-880 because she said there was too much chance of having an accident because of all the Mexican drivers. Then when her husband (who was white) drove bad, she would say: “You drive like a Mexican”.

According to the article I read on sfgate.com yesterday, the DMV plans to modify the identity and residency requirements above since many of the immigrants in the meeting in Oakland, who came from as far away as Fresno, said can’t get the required documents, or would have to leave the US to get them, which would be too risky.

Giving stuff like this to illegals simply entices more to come. Look at what’s happening at the border in Texas after word got around Central America that the U.S. will accept you and pay for everything. They’ve now got thousands of kids there that we have to deal with because their parents dumped them across the border. No more handouts or any sort is the only sensible way!

Completely unacceptable! We are a nation of laws but unfortunately are politicians think they are above them. They are complaining about how much the licenses are going to cost. If they can’t afford the license how are they going to afford the insurance? Every time you give in a bit they will continue to take more.

This sounds like an easy way to get a fake I.D. under a false name.
Want to drive like an idiot? Get a fake drivers license under an assumed name, and give that one to the police when you get pulled over.
Got a criminal record? Get it expunged by getting a new license under a new name.

Any one notice this…Esther Melendez … she said though a translator….she won’t even learn our language and she gets to drive and probably is here “undocumented”…here we just hand them another piece of the banana republic of California…why haven’t we just changed the name of our state to Calexico…it is what it is…and it will NEVER be the California we grew up in…we will be borrowing just like Mexico does from the frds to pay of all our social programs…pretty soon we will be rules not governored… it will happen…by an “undocumented” ruler…we are already not a state of democracy we have rulers in this state not elected officials…bought and paid for by liberal interests bent on giving away the store….when we all have nothing will the liberal elite concede?…I doubt it

No way, send them home. No special treatment for illegals. If our gov’t allows a foreign threat with links to terrorism, CCW permits should be issued to all citizens who are eligible. The illegals will over pack a home but roll around on $4,000 rims and stereo system and send money home, but not contribute to our economy. Grant those who want to be Americans the opportunity to serve in the “Middle East Non-Combatant Occupation Force”, where the privilege can be EARNED by serving our country. With their penchant for cheap beer, booming bass and rampant reprodipuction, they will annoy and frustrate the Middle Easterners. Our country has used military service as a gateway to citizenship before……

Issuing driver licenses to illegals will de-facto legitimize illegal behavior. It’s like this: an intruder camps out in your living room after climbing through a window, after a while starts claiming rights to your six-pack in a fridge.

I just want to know that the guy cruising next to me on the freeway has passed a test and has had his eyesight checked. That way I might just be able to come home alive.
I don’t care about his illegal burrito-eating.

The foreign nationals are here and driving on our streets even without valid licenses. I’d like to see them demonstrate that they can pass vision and driving tests. But I would like to see them be issued a special type of license that clearly identifies them as not being a citizen or legal resident. Make them a different color or stamp a big “FN” on them.

The larger reason this bill is being pushed is because if you have a licence, you can vote.
And if you can vote, you are going to vote for the nice man who allowed changed the rules so you to get your license, not the bad man who wanted you to play by the rules in the first place.

Indeed we are the second coming of ancient Rome so much is the same…and with an open border and the trend by politicians to go along to get along it seems that US Citizenship is almost irrelevent. Looking at things as a senior citizen i wonder what kind of a country will be here for all of you younger folks out there when you get into your 60’s like me. I suggest that it might be a good idea to consider that. Elections have consequences…for its through the ballot box that you get the country that you deserve.

You CAN legally drive here on a Mexican Driver’s License, just like we could drive in Mexico. Mexico, the United States, and certain other countries have a reciprocal agreement. So, I guess this ISN’T really about driving now, is it?

Why do all of you keep on saying Mexicans, its not only MEXICANS its Asians, Indians etc. This land right now the one that you are standing on,used to be mexicos land, so learn your facts. I personally think its a great Idea because those illegals work there asses to get money. 75% of those immigrants pay taxes not like others Americans get money on there hands by the government while doing nothing in not saying all Americans do nothing.
Yes I know there obtaining mabe better jobs there getting free healthcare but nothing is gonna be perfect. At least I have a maid she’s Mexican and she does pay taxes!

so when hurricane Katrina was sluicing your home down the river, you want to talk about the leak in the roof?

Mexico gets over half of all visas issued for the USA, more than all other countries combined, and they have by fare more illegal immigrants into this country than all others combined.

Why? because in order to get a visa, you must pass a medical showing you don’t have any infectious diseases, and you can’t be a criminal. To become a citizen, you must demonstrate an ability to understand English.

Guess what? Alaska used to be Russian. Nebraska used to belong to France. And CA used to belong to Mexico … but not any more.

Why use those lame excuses to deny reality: illegal immigration is illegal.

Your mom was wise to stay away from I 880. It is indeed full of many hispanic drivers who are looking to get into accidents with you. Ever notice how they cut in front of you and then immediately slam on their brakes? They are looking to get you into an accident, get the insurance money so they can spend it on themselves, Mexican stuff, etc..

My cousin was the backup singer for Neil Sedaka and they would come out here to the circle Star theater to perform and the Concord Pavilion at that time and I got to be at him and talk to him all the time it was really neat.

So, If I ever wanted to even go back to Mexico, I’d have to reapply and buy a passport, when they can be trucked in or swim across and get here w/o any repercussions and even get a handshake and smile from Obama! UFB!!

Will this mean speedier traffic?! Most Mexicans drive so slow, cuz they’re afraid of the.cops anyway. Or will this mean even more of them driving around causing more accidents and raising our insurance premiums even higher?!

To the dope that said they pay taxes…maybe some, but don’t you think most work on a cash only basis? Hello?! If they are here illegaly, why would they do anything that’s legal? PULL YOUR HEAD OUT! ON SECOND THOUGHT…KEEP IT IN!!! SPARE US FROM SEEING YOUR SH _ _ HEAD!

Yes, we all should know Spanish! Wouldn’t want to know when your being called a pendejo, so you can handle them accordingly?!

You know, maybe moving to a BFN state isn’t a bad idea afterall.

I have plenty of Mexican friends who pay taxes and are here legals. What a slap in the face to them?

BTW, stay away from SF! If you think there are sightless boat people now driving around….OMG!

1) Not all illegal immigrants are from Mexico; they come from all over the world.

2) Illegal immigrants pay billions and billions of dollars in taxes. They file and pay taxes with a TIN (Tax Payer Identification Number) if they wish to become legal. Most of which do. They also purchase consumer goods and pay taxes in the form of sales tax, which amount to billions of dollars in tax revenue.

3) Illegal immigrants are not eligible for any social services. Only their children born here are.

4) I would feel safer on the road if all people knew the rules of the road and had vehicle insurance. All people (legal or illegal) will drive because they need to work.

5) Let’s not forget that California belonged to Mexico and it is only natural the Hispanics repopulate the states which once belonged to them.

6) Latinos/Hispanics are quickly become the largest demographic population. It’s time people learn to not alienate, ostracize, and degrade Hispanics. We now need the Hispanic vote. Good luck getting with the above-comments. The vast majority of Hispanics sympathize with immigrants. So, choose your battles wisely. Learn who to have in your corner. You now need the Hispanic vote!

Sigh, how quickly we forget our history. Unless you are a descendent of a Native American then you too are descendent of immigrants. And not necessarily one who gained legal permission to get here. These laws weren’t always in place! The original settlers on the East Coast did not ask the Native Americans for permission to live here. They didn’t get work permits or any approval from the original residents.
Personally I think that it would be safer for these undocumented citizens to get drivers licenses. Also, they would then be documented.

We are ALL immigrants -YES. BUT the question comes up about being ILLEGAL!
If people are jumping the line at Disneyland for a ride, do we let them? Do we say, “Oh well, they’re already here in Disneyland, why not let them do it. Even though I have been waiting in line for HOURS to ride the CARS RIDE! No! They would be kicked out of Disneyland! !!!!